Ridgewood Energy has announced the appointment of Kenneth W. Lang as President and Chief Operating Officer. Lang is joining Ridgewood Energy after a 24-year career at BP (British Petroleum), where he ultimately served as Senior Vice President for BP's entire Gulf of Mexico business. Mr. Lang will be based in Ridgewood's Houston office.

In his most recent role at BP, Lang was responsible for managing more than 2,000 professionals in the Gulf of Mexico region and overseeing one of BP's largest revenue-generating sectors. Prior to that, Lang led the creation of BP's Gulf of Mexico deepwater strategy and was accountable for all aspects of production in the Gulf. In addition to his work in the Gulf of Mexico, Lang has held leadership roles in BP's United Kingdom and Alaska operations. He graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Lang is a member of the Houston Museum of Natural Science's Board of Trustees.

As President and Chief Operating Officer, Lang will be responsible for leading Ridgewood Energy's Houston office and will play a key role in the development and execution of the company's ongoing investment and growth strategy. Lang said, "I am very pleased and excited to be joining Ridgewood Energy as their President and COO. Bob Swanson and the Ridgewood team have been a respected player in the Gulf of Mexico for many years."

Robert E. Swanson, Ridgewood Energy's founder and Chief Executive Officer, explained, "We were seeking a candidate who not only exhibited outstanding leadership qualities, but also possessed a strong technical background, as well as extensive knowledge of the Gulf of Mexico, where we continue to see very attractive opportunities. Kenny was most impressive because, in addition to demonstrating all these qualities, he also has a true passion for working in the Gulf of Mexico, which was evident to our executive team."

Lang's deep knowledge of the Gulf of Mexico enhances Ridgewood Energy's long-standing strategic investment in the basin. "The Gulf of Mexico continues to be one of the world's most attractive oil & gas provinces for industry investment. Ridgewood's focused strategy in this region will underpin the company’s plans for continued growth," added Lang.

"Bringing Kenny Lang onto the Ridgewood team is part of our effort to take advantage of the tremendous and rare growth opportunity we see taking place in the U.S. energy market," said Swanson, who is remaining as CEO. "It is a testament to our company's respected position within the Gulf of Mexico oil and gas community that we were able to attract as high-caliber a professional as Kenny."